System for monitoring and controlling the material composition and plastic or ductile deformation of the mass flow in a machine

ABSTRACT

A system for monitoring and controlling the composition and the plastic deformation of material being processed in a processing machine has at least one measuring arrangement that includes a first pivotable lever connected to the processing machine at a location where the material flows. The first pivotable lever is biased by a force such that the first pivotable lever contacts the material with a force component acting at a right angle onto the surface of the material. A penetration body is connected to the first pivotable lever at an end thereof facing the material. The penetration body has a wedge shape tapered in a direction toward the surface of the material. A first travel sensor for sensing the depth of penetration of the penetration body into the material is provided. The first travel sensor is fixedly connected to the processing machine and cooperates with the first pivotable level at a distance from the penetration body. A second travel sensor for sensing the advancing speed of the material is substantially stationarily connected to the processing machine in the advancing direction of the material. A processing unit for processing signals received from the first and second travel sensors is provided. A control member for controlling the composition of the material is connected to the processing unit.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a system for monitoring and controlling thematerial composition and plastic or ductile deformation of the mass flowof a machine.

The invention is to be used where a mass flow that is plasticallydeformable, respectively, that in a ductile state can be deformed or isdeformed, occurs in a production process. This relates especially toprocesses in the ceramics industry and the manufacture of food stuffs.

Known are measuring devices for determining the material consistency,which are called penetrometer. The penetration body can be in the formof a needle, a rod, a cone, a ball or similar shapes. Its size can bebetween that of a match and that of a pencil. The penetration occursunder free fall conditions for predetermined loading or supported byspring force. The penetration depth into the material to be examined ismeasured. When needed, it is also possible for a suitable penetrationbody to measure the time-dependent course until the end of penetrationis reached. The depth of penetration is used as a parameter for thematerial consistency. (Manual to "Automatisches Penetrometer AP 1"Hersteller: VEB Feinmeβ Dresden, 1972) and (U. Hoffmann und D. Mannheim:"Anwendung des Federpenetrometers' Solitest" in "Die Ermiftlung vonpraxisorientierten Kenndaten zur Charakterisierung von Tonen undtonkeramischen Massen", Fortschrittsberichte der DKG, Vol. 8 (1993)issue 1--Charakterisierung toniger Rohstoffe und tonkeramischerMassen--).

The Penetrometer allows measurements only to be carried out by hand orto be initiated by hand, which measurements are performed at discreteintervals.

In Bostrom, S.: Kautschuk-Handbuch, Berliner Union Stuttgart 1962 p.131-138, the different devices for measuring softness and hardness aredisclosed. A softness testing is very similar to the hardness testingaccording to Brinell and differs only in that the ball diameter isgreater (10 mm instead of 5 mm) and the load is less (1000 g instead of50 kg). The softness test numbers result as the difference between thepenetration depth of a polished hardened steel ball with a preload of 50g and a main load of 1000 g.

From German Patent 34 34 904 a method and a device for monitoring acontinuously extruded profiled band comprised of one or a plurality ofmixtures or a thermoplastic material. The length shrinkage values of theprofiled band resulting along a cooling path are determinedmechanically/electrically or optically/electronically and the sensedvalues are sent to a control device connected to a scale, measuring themeter weight, which control device thus adjusts the nominal shrinkagevalues.

In U.S. Pat. No. 4,097,566 and U.S. Pat. No. 4,609,336 solutions aredisclosed which, also based on electronic and/or mechanical measuringsensors, determine the dimensions of an extruded foil band and thecontrol parameters for affecting the dimensions of the foil band.

With the disclosed devices a continuous measurement of the consistencyor softness or hardness is not possible. With the disclosed measuringmethods it is impossible to deduce the material composition of amixture.

The invention has the object of solving the problem of continuouslyanalyzing mass flows in production processes in order to determine,based on the measured values, characteristic parameters of theproduction process and of the material composition and to save thosevalues which serve for the material analysis and/or machine monitoring.The parameters should also serve to determine control parameters foraffecting the production process and to document quality assurance ofthe production process.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The system for monitoring and controlling the composition and theplastic deformation of material being processed in a processing machineaccording to the present invention comprises at least one measuringarrangement comprising:

a first pivotable lever connected to the processing machine at alocation where the material flows;

the first pivotable lever biased by a force such that the firstpivotable lever contacts the material with a force component acting at aright angle onto a surface of the material;

a penetration body connected to the first pivotable lever at an endthereof facing the material;

the penetration body having a wedge shape tapered in a direction towardthe surface of the material;

a first travel sensor for sensing the depth of penetration of thepenetration body into the material;

the first travel sensor fixedly connected to the processing machine andcooperating with the first pivotable level at a distance from thepenetration body;

a second travel sensor for sensing the advancing speed of the material;

the second travel sensor substantially stationarily connected to theprocessing machine in the advancing direction of the material;

a processing unit for processing signals received from the first andsecond travel sensors;

a control member for controlling the composition of the material, thecontrol member connected to the processing unit.

The processing machine preferably comprises a press with a die and thefirst pivotable lever is connected downstream of the die.

Expediently, weights are connected to the first pivotable lever forgenerating the force.

The penetration body is a wheel rotatably supported at the firstpivotable lever, the wheel tapering in a wedge shape radially outwardlyso as to form a cutting edge, wherein the cutting edge has a radius of0.01 mm to 2 mm and wherein the wheel has an outer diameter of 1 cm to10 cm.

A deflection of the penetration body about a pivot axis of the firstpivotable lever is sensed by the first travel sensor and wherein thesecond travel sensor includes a wheel and a rotational angle transmitterconnected to the wheel.

The penetration body is a stationary gliding body being conically shapedso as to taper in a direction toward the surface of the material, thegliding body having a cutting edge of a radius of 0.01 mm to 2 mm, thesystem further comprising a second pivotable lever, the second travelsensor connected to the second pivotable lever and including a wheelcontacting the surface of the material and a rotational angletransmitter connected to the wheel.

The system preferably further includes means for measuring chemical andphysical properties. The means include means for measuring electricalconductivity and/or means for measuring the temperature of the material.

In another embodiment of the present invention, a partial mass flow isbranched off the material, measurements are performed on the partialmass flow, the partial mass flow is returned, and subsequently thecomposition of the material is adjusted by the control member.

The system may further comprise a linear guide to which the second leverwith the wheel is connected, the linear guide positioned at a selectableslant to the vertical. An angle member may be provided to which thefirst pivotable lever is pivotable connected. The angle member isdisplaceable relative to the second pivotable lever and by displacingthe angle member an angle between the first pivotable lever and thesurface of the material is selectable. The arrangement of the first andthe second levers and the respective length of the first and the secondpivotable levers are selected such that an axis of rotation of the wheelis positioned vertically above a point of contact of the penetrationbody at the surface of the material.

The penetration body and the wheel are supplied with an electricalvoltage for cleaning purposes.

The processing machine comprises a press, wherein the penetration body,the wheel, and the press are electrically insulated from one another sothat between the penetration body, the wheel, and the press electricalconductivity measurements are performed.

The system may further comprise two of the at least one measuringarrangements, wherein a first one of the measuring arrangements ispositioned upstream of the processing machine and a second one of themeasuring arrangements is positioned downstream of the processingmachine.

The system for monitoring and controlling the material composition andthe plastic or ductile deformation of the mass flow is arranged at amachine which shapes a branched-off part of the mass flow to a profiledmass strand only for the purpose of measuring or which produces from theentire mass flow a profiled mass strand as an intermediate product to bemeasured. The system is comprised of a lever pivotably supported at themachine which is loaded by a force. One force component acts at a rightangle to the direction of movement of the profiled mass strand or theshaped body. At the lever, at the end facing in the direction of theprofiled mass strand or the shaped body, a penetration body is arrangedwhich in the direction toward the profiled mass strand or shaped bodytapers wedge-shaped. A first travel sensor for determining the depth ofpenetration of the penetration body into the profiled mass strand orshaped body cooperates at a distance from the penetration body with thelever and is stationary with respect to the machine.

A second travel sensor for determining the advancing speed of theprofiled mass flow is stationarily arranged at the machine and is incontact with the profiled mass strand. This portion of the systemprovides a continuously operating penetrometer.

In a further part of the system the signals which are detected bydeflection of the first travel sensor and the signals resulting from thesecond travel sensor are guided into an evaluation, logging, memoryand/or control unit (processing unit) which is connected to at least onecontrol member.

The evaluation, logging, memory, and/or control unit serves as aproduction monitoring and production control device.

The term "machine for plastic or ductile processing and deformation of amass flow" according to the present invention includes devices which areused in industrial areas for material transformation and materialshaping, especially in the food stuffs industry, the chemical industry,the ceramics industry, and the construction industry. They are usedwhere plastic or ductile materials are manufactured as startingmaterials, intermediate products, or end products, i.e., where machinesmix components, adjust the plasticity and ductility, prepare homogenousmixtures and form (press) profiled mass flows or shaped bodies.

The system can be arranged at the inlet of the machine, at the outlet ofthe machine, or within the machine along the course of the machiningprocess.

In a first embodiment, the penetration body is a running wheel rotatablyconnected to a lever end which wheel in the direction of the radiallyouter diameter is wedge-shaped whereby the wheel edge has a radius of0.05 mm to 2 mm. The deflection of the wheel about the lever axis islogged with the first travel sensor and the velocity of the mass strandis logged with the second travel sensor which is embodied as arotational angle transmitter and cooperates with the wheel.

In a second embodiment the penetration body is a stationary gliding bodywhich has a conical shape and an edge of a radius of 0.05 mm to 2 mm.For measuring the velocity of the profiled mass strand, the secondtravel sensor is provided which is embodied as a running wheel connectedto a further lever and contacting the profiled mass strand whereby therunning wheel cooperates with a rotational angle transmitter.

With the aid of the system the simultaneous detection of furtherchemical and/or physical characteristic values is enabled, for example,the electrical conductivity of the mass strand, the materialtemperature, and the electrical power output of the corresponding driveunits, in order to continuously detect characteristic parameters of theproduction process.

The evaluation, logging, memory and/or control unit is connected to atleast one control member of the machine with which at least onecomponent of the composition of the mass flow to be processed within theprocessing machine is adjustable. Control members can be arranged at theinlet of the machine as well as at the outlet of the machine.

The measurement can be performed, for example, on the formed profiledmass strand (intermediate product) or on a partial mass flow branchedoff from the manufacturing process and profiled to a measuring massstrand at which measurements are to be performed. The material of themeasuring mass strand is returned to the main flow after measurement.

The adjustment/correction of the mass is possible before or afterseparation of the mass flow with the aid of a control member, forexample, for moisture adjustment.

Identical measuring devices can be positioned upstream of the processingmachine (for example, a strand press) for monitoring the composition ofthe green product (mass flow) and downstream of the processing machinefor monitoring the processing machine and the intermediate or endproducts (mass strand or shaped product). The resulting measured valuesare fed into the evaluation, logging, memory and/or control unit.

With the aid of the invention it is possible to continuously monitorevaluate, directly actively influence, and document the productionprocess.

The measured values produced with the aid of the measuring systemcontain short term and long term information.

The short term information provides information in regard to a momentaryproportion of coarse particles and the momentary moisture contents ofthe material (as a parameter for the ductility).

The long term information serves to control, monitor as well as documentthe production. Averaging in certain time intervals provides a means fordetermining the consistency of the mass flow (for example, moisturecontents).

The values of average amplitude within the time interval and/or theperiod length provide information on the profiled member or the press.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be disclosed with the aid of an example of a processin the ceramics industry. It is shown in:

FIG. 1 the last processing step for manufacturing an extruder pressedprofiled mass strand;

FIG. 2 a continuously registering penetrometer with integrated devicefor simultaneous detection of the advancing speed of the mass strand;

FIG. 3 an arrangement for monitoring and controlling a machine forplastic deformation of a mass flow;

FIG. 4 a representation of measured values as a function of time;

FIG. 5 a schematic illustration for sensing measured values;

FIG. 6 an enlarged representation of the measured values;

FIG. 7 a schematic representation of sensing of a coarse particle in aprofiled mass strand;

FIG. 8 a continuously registering penetrometer with device forsimultaneous detection of the mass strand advancing speed and themacroscopic shape of the strand.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

According to FIG. 1 a mass flow 1 (for example, clay) being processed isintroduced into a preparation device 2 in which water is added to themass flow, if needed, and in which the mass flow is intensively mixed.The processing device 2 conveys the mass flow into a press 3 wherebywith the aid of a die 4 a profiled mass strand 5 is generated. Theprofiled mass strand 5 is supported by a transporting belt 6, isconveyed farther and subjected to further processing.

The system serves for monitoring the momentary consistency andcomposition, especially of the coarse particle contents and theprocessing moisture of the mass flow 1 being processed, respectively, ofthe mass strand 5 and/or of the process of producing the mass strand 5.

The part of the system, which is named a continuously measuringpenetrometer, is comprised, according to FIG. 2, of an easily rotatablepenetration body 7 which rolls along the mass strand 5 and, in the shownexample, is a running wheel that is connected to a play-free supportedlever 8.

The support action of the lever is provided by a holder system 9 at anangle of approximately 45° to the surface 24 of the mass strand 5. Theholder system 9 is stationarily arranged relative to the die 4.

The lever 8 has coordinated therewith at a distance to the penetrationbody 7 a travel sensor 10. Depending on the type of travel sensor 10 andthe properties of the mass strand 5 to be measured a certain levertransmission can be selected.

In the shown embodiment, the travel sensor is positioned above the pivotpoint 11 of the lever 8. The travel sensor 10 is connected with ameasuring line 12 to a suitable measuring and evaluation system 13.

The adjustment of the penetration pressure force of the penetration body7 into the mass flow 5 is performed by mounting load weights 14 and/orcounter weights 15 and is adjusted to a constant value. In this context,the oscillation and inertia behavior of the system penetrationbody/lever/penetration pressure force/measuring sensor on the measuringdetection must be taken into consideration.

As a function of the consistency of the mass strand 5 and itscompensation the penetration body penetrates to a different depth intothe mass strand. A change of penetration depth is registered over time.As a function of the velocity of the mass strand 5 the rotatingpenetration body (running wheel) is moved at different velocities.Since, in practice, fluctuations of the advancing speed of the massstrand will occur, it is necessary to take into consideration theadvancing speed of the mass strand into the data acquisition process.For this reason, a travel sensor 16 is coordinated with a penetrationbody 7 which is in the form of a running wheel. The travel sensor 16 ismounted at the lever 8 in the vicinity of the bearing of the runningwheel and detects the rotational movement of the running wheel. For dataacquisition the travel sensor 16 is connected with a measuring line 17to the measuring and evaluation device 13. When the penetration body 7is embodied as a running wheel, its diameter is approximately 5 cm. Thecutting edge penetrating into the material is rounded so as to have aradius of 0.1 mm. The embodiment of the cutting edge has an effect onthe measuring behavior. A penetration body with a pointed cone or sharpgliding or running surface reacts when under a reduced load moresensible to differences in grain structure than a penetration body withgreatly rounded portions at increased loads or inertia.

Depending on the composition of the clay raw material, respectively, ofthe mass flow 1 and in first approximation, depending on the momentarycontents of moisture of the mass strand 5, the penetration body 7 isimpressed deeper or less deep into the mass strand 5. The penetrationbody 7 reacts, however, not only with regard to the momentaryconsistency of the mass strand 5, but also with respect to coarseparticles contained within the mass, to shaping influences and othereffects.

The continuously slightly changing penetration movement is detected bythe travel sensor 10. The measured values of the travel sensor 10 andthe measured values of the travel sensor 16 are saved with the aid ofspecial hardware and software in a computer of the measuring andevaluation device, are graphically represented, andmathematically-statistically processed.

FIG. 3 shows an arrangement for monitoring and controlling a machine forplastic deformation of a mass flow. Upon reaching limits, which aredetermined by the evaluation, logging, memory and/or control unit 13,control values, for example, for water metering are provided to themetering system 19 via control lines 18.

In FIG. 3 the continuously measuring penetrometer is modified withrespect to the one of FIG. 2. Accordingly, the penetration body 7 canalso be embodied as a gliding body 20. In this embodiment, themeasurement of the advancing speed is expediently performed with aseparate system. For this purpose, a second lever 21 with a secondrunning wheel 22 is arranged together with the travel sensor 16 suchthat a continuous uniform contact with the surface 24 of the mass strand5 is ensured.

With the aid of the second running wheel 22 it is advantageous toperform further measurements of physical and chemical parameters, as,for example, measuring of the electrical conductivity.

With the aid of the invention it is possible to constantly monitor,evaluate, directly actively influence, and document the productionprocess.

The measured values, which are acquired by the continuously sensingpenetrometer, contain short term and long term information.

FIG. 4 shows an example of a graphically represented short terminformation over a measuring period of approximately 1 minute acquiredat an actual mass strand. The upper curve represents the change of thevelocity of the mass strand 5 as a function of time. The lower curveshows the change of penetration depth E of the penetration body 7 intothe mass strand 5 as a function of time.

FIG. 5 is a schematic representation of the base line B of theinformation contained within the measured data. Under the premise of aconstant material composition, an average value MW₁ of the penetrationdepth over a period t1 of, for example, one minute a value for themomentary consistency, respectively, the momentary moisture contents isprovided.

The average value MW₁ corresponds to the nominal value. For a minimalmoisture contents of the mass a reduced average penetration depthresults in the following measuring period t2 which results in an averagevalue MW₂.

These fluctuations are used, depending on intensity and respectivefrequency of the time intervals, for activating the control members formetering the amount of moisture. The number of measuring periods shouldbe as great as possible.

The periods P₁ to P₉ etc. are specific machine parameters and they areevaluated for monitoring the operation of the press 3 and the conveyorbelt 6. The same holds true for the average amplitude heights S₁ and S₂etc. in the respective time interval (range of fluctuation).

The zoomed curve portion represented in FIG. 6 shows that the base lineB of the measuring curve has "high frequency" oscillations in the formof artifacts or transients overlapping them. These oscillations havetheir cause in the coarse grain contents of the mass.

Their frequency is within a range of magnitude between approximately 0.1and 10 hertz. The parameter MH is the average amplitude height of theharmonic oscillations, the parameter H is the height of the individualharmonic oscillations resulting from the particle size, the parameter Zis the base width of the individual harmonic oscillations resulting fromthe coarse grains, and the parameter N is the number of harmonicoscillations per time unit.

FIG. 7 shows how a coarse particle 23 in the surface 24 of the mass flowimpedes the penetration of the penetration body 7. The positions 7₁ to7₁₂ of the penetration body 7 illustrate in which manner in the exampleof FIG. 6 an amplitude height H and a base width Z result. At in thiscontext means the sensing time (sensing rate) in which in an electronicmanner the change of penetration depth E is sensed.

The number of these harmonic oscillations n_(x) per time unit is ameasure for the amount of coarse particles to be detected within thistime period; their average range of fluctuation and the averageamplitude height mH are a measure for the detected average particlesize. The intensity of each individual harmonic oscillation, i.e., theamplitude height H of each individual oscillation (H₁, H₂, H₃ etc.) andthe base width Z of each individual oscillation (Z₁, Z₂, Z₃ etc.) is ameasure for the size of each individually detectable particle.

Thus, based on the frequency and intensity of the harmonic oscillations,determinations with respect to the coarse particle proportions withinthe clay strand can be derived. With the aid of special statisticcomputer processing program, the momentary coarse grain proportion andits grain distribution are determined over the respective measuring timeperiod.

For a constant material use it is thus possible to provide a monitoringof the processing intensity of the respective processing device. When,for constant technological conditions, the consistency of the mass (forexample, based on fluctuations in the mineralogical and granular sizecomposition of the basic materials) changes, these fluctuations are alsodetected and can thus be used, for example, for automatic corrections ofmetering of the individual materials and/or of the moisture contents forpressing, while also taking into consideration the electrical power useof the drive units.

The long term information of the measured values is based on thedetection and memorization of the averaged values of the short termmeasurements within the individual measuring intervals. Thus, withrespect to ISO 9,000 etc., the possibility for representing, memorizingand documenting processes, for example, over the period of a workshiftor an entire year can be provided for the purpose of long termproduction control and evaluation.

When, in addition to measuring the penetration depth with thecontinuously sensing penetrometric sensor and also the advancing speed,the measured values of electrical conductivity and electrical power useof the drive units are sent to the computer, then it is possible, basedon the three measured values and with the aid of a statisticalprocessing program, to analyze the moisture contents, coarse particleproportion, fluctuations in the material composition, and the operatingprotocol of the shaping device.

The reason for the additional use of the electrical conductivity of thematerial to be tested and of the electrical power use of the drive unitsin the monitoring process is that for a constant mass composition,constant moisture contents, constant mass temperature, and constantmeasuring conditions, also a constant electrical conductivity in thematerial and a constant electric use of the drive device should occur.When the mass composition or its moisture contents changes, use theelectrical conductivity and also the electrical power of the drivedevices should thus also change. Thus, the electrical conductivity andthe electrical power use of the drive units are additional parametersfor characterizing and monitoring the mass flows and mass strands.

FIG. 8 shows a continuously sensing penetrometer with a lever-supportedpenetration body 7 in the form of a rotatably supported, conicallyshaped, tapered sensing wheel.

The sensing wheel, however, can also be exchanged for a non-rotatinggliding body (20) or a sensing needle. The sensing wheel is rotatablysupported at a first axis of rotation 26 at the end of the lever facingthe mass strand. The lever 8 is supported at a first pivot point 11whereby this pivot location is connected to the second lever 21 with anangle member 35 that is angularly adjustable. The second lever 21 isguided in a linear guide 28 and extends at an adjustable angle β to thevertical toward the surface of the mass strand. The angle β can beapproximately 45° relative to the vertical so that the measuring systemrelative to the direction of the pressed strand is positioned at anangle γ greater/identical to 90°. The pivot point for the adjustment ofthe angle β is located at the second pivot axis 27.

The first lever 8 is bent at its pivot point by approximately 90° to140°, and, the first travel sensor 10 is arranged at the end facing awayfrom the mass strand which sensor detects the particle size andconsistency of the mass strand.

This part of the lever is connected with a tension spring 30 which isconnected with its other end to the second lever 21. The spring 30 hasthe function of force-loading the penetration body 7 relative to themass strand. For adjusting the pulling force and thus the pressure forceof the penetration body 7, a solenoid 31 is switched between the spring30 and the second lever 21 which adjusts the prestress of the spring ina stepwise manner. For example, measurements at 80 g or 160 g of weightforce can be performed.

The second lever 21 is also angularly designed. The end of the leverfacing away from the mass strand is guided in a straight manner in alinear guide 28. The guide 28 is connected to the support 25 which, inturn, is connected to the processing machine. In the area of the bentportion of the second lever 21 a second rotational axis 27 for thesecond running wheel 22 is provided. The second running wheel 22 detectstogether with the second travel sensor 16 the advancing speed of themass strand. A third travel sensor 29 detects the movement transmittedby the second running wheel onto the second lever 21 which results fromthe macroscopic shape of the mass strand.

The second lever 21 has an adjustment possibility for the angle member35 which supports the pivot point 11. The pivot point 11 is adjustablewith the aid of the adjustment possibility about the first rotationalaxis 26. Accordingly, the penetration angle α is adjusted whereby thefirst axis of rotation 26 and the second axis of rotation 27 areapproximately (in coarse approximation) perpendicular to the surface ofthe mass strand.

The distance of the first axis of rotation 26 from the second pivotpoint 11 is in the range of a few centimeters and is selected such thatthe approximate vertical line extending through the second axis ofrotation 27 and the first axis of rotation 26, viewed in the directionof advancement of the mass strand, is positioned behind the straightline which corresponds to the line of movement of the straight guidingaction through the second axis of rotation 27.

Furthermore, between the housing 25 and the second lever 21 apressure-regulating spring 34 is provided with which it is possible toadjust the contact force of the second running wheel 22 and whichfurthermore enables the arrangement to be positioned laterally or below(counter to the direction of the weight force).

The first travel sensor 10 is connected via a first measuring line 12,the second travel sensor 16 is connected via a second measuring line 17,the solenoid is connected via a solenoid control line 32, and the thirdtravel sensor is connected via a third measuring line to the evaluation,logging, memory and/or control unit 13.

The penetration body 7 and the running wheel 22 are supplied with anelectrical release voltage for cleaning purposes, i.e., by supplying avoltage potential between the body 7 and the wheel 22, on the one hand,and the material to be processed, on the other hand, the material isprevented from adhering to the body 7 and the wheel 22 so that soilingis prevented. Preferably, the penetration body 7 and the second runningwheel 22 are electrically insulated from one another. Then it ispossible to perform electrical conductivity measurements between thepenetration body 7 and/or the second running wheel 22 and/or the press.The present invention is, of course, in no way restricted to thespecific disclosure of the specification and drawings, but alsoencompasses any modifications within the scope of the appended claims.

We claim:
 1. A system for monitoring and controlling the composition andthe plastic deformation of material being processed in a processingmachine, said system comprising at least one measuring arrangementcomprising:a first pivotable lever connected to the processing machineat a location where the material flows; said first pivotable leverbiased by a force such that said first pivotable lever contacts thematerial with a force component acting at a right angle onto a surfaceof the material; a penetration body connected to said first pivotablelever at an end thereof facing the material; said penetration bodyhaving a wedge shape tapered in a direction toward the surface of thematerial; a first travel sensor for sensing the depth of penetration ofsaid penetration body into the material; said first travel sensorfixedly connected to the processing machine and cooperating with saidfirst pivotable lever at a distance from said penetration body; a secondtravel sensor for sensing the advancing speed of the material; saidsecond travel sensor substantially stationarily connected to theprocessing machine in the advancing direction of the material; aprocessing unit for processing signals received from said first andsecond travel sensors; a control member for controlling the compositionof the material, said control member connected to said processing unit.2. A system according to claim 1, wherein the processing machinecomprises a press with a die and wherein said first pivotable lever isconnected downstream of said die.
 3. A system according to claim 1,further comprising weights connected to said first pivotable lever forgenerating said force.
 4. A system according to claim 1, wherein saidpenetration body is a wheel rotatably supported at said first pivotablelever, said wheel tapering in a wedge shape radially outwardly so as toform a cutting edge, wherein said cutting edge has a radius of 0.01 mmto 2 mm and wherein said wheel has an outer diameter of 1 cm to 10 cm.5. A system according to claim 1, wherein a deflection of saidpenetration body about a pivot axis of said first pivotable lever issensed by said first travel sensor and wherein said second travel sensorincludes a wheel and a rotational angle transmitter connected to saidwheel.
 6. A system according to claim 1, wherein said penetration bodyis a stationary gliding body being conically shaped so as to taper in adirection toward the surface of the material, said gliding body having acutting edge of a radius of 0.01 mm to 2 mm, said system furthercomprising a second pivotable lever, said second travel sensor connectedto said second pivotable lever and including a wheel contacting thesurface of the material and a rotational angle transmitter connected tosaid wheel.
 7. A system according to claim 1, further including meansfor measuring chemical and physical properties.
 8. A system according toclaim 7, wherein said means include means for measuring electricalconductivity.
 9. A system according to claim 7, wherein said meansinclude means for measuring the temperature of the material.
 10. Asystem according to claim 1, wherein:a partial mass flow is branched offthe material, measurements are performed on said partial mass flow, saidpartial mass flow is returned, and subsequently the composition of thematerial is adjusted by said control member.
 11. A system according toclaim 6, further comprising:a linear guide to which said second leverwith said wheel is connected, said linear guide positioned at aselectable slant to the vertical; an angle member to which said firstpivotable lever is pivotable connected; said angle member displaceablerelative to said second pivotable lever; wherein by displacing saidangle member an angle between said first pivotable lever and saidsurface of the material is selectable; wherein the arrangement of saidfirst and said second levers and the respective length of said first andsaid second pivotable levers are selected such that an axis of rotationof said wheel is positioned vertically above a point of contact of saidpenetration body at said surface of the material.
 12. A system accordingto claim 6, wherein said penetration body and said wheel are suppliedwith an electrical voltage for cleaning purposes.
 13. A system accordingto claim 6, wherein said processing machine comprises a press, whereinsaid penetration body, said wheel, and said press are electricallyinsulated from one another so that between said penetration body, saidwheel, and said press electrical conductivity measurements areperformed.
 14. A system according to claim 1, comprising two of said atleast one measuring arrangements, wherein a first one of said measuringarrangements is positioned upstream of the processing machine and asecond one of said measuring arrangements is positioned downstream ofthe processing machine.